hi, I'M
SARA VALDEZ
EDUCATOR. ENGINEER. SCIENTIST. TEACHER.
MY STORY
Passionate Latina engineer and educator currently enrolled in a graduate school and teaching credential program to become a high school science teacher. Technical background includes an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and professional experience working in the semiconductor industry. Education experience includes working in various organizations to inspire and equip students with STEM skills and awareness. Teaching experience includes a student-teaching residency at a public middle school in South Los Angeles. Highly motivated to pursue a professional teaching position in the Los Angeles area to help young minds understand and engage with the world around them through the STEM fields. Determined to promote diversity and inclusion for underrepresented communities by fostering a transformative STEM educational atmosphere.
S
TEACHING & MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS, SCIENTISTS, & MATHEMATICIANS
MY WORK
MY LATEST WORK
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MY Experience
May 2018 - Present
Teaching Credential - Physics
Master of Arts
Integrated STEM Education
California State University, Los Angeles
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Part of the LAUTR (Los Angeles Urban Teaching Residency) intensive program that prepares aspiring teachers for urban school setting through practical coursework and a year-long classroom training with mentor teacher.
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Coursework is guided by the principles of social justice, educational equity, and transformative teaching.
August 2005 - December 2009
Bachelor of Science
Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Berkeley
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Coursework focus: Materials, Biomechanics, Dynamics, Design Graphics & Mechanics, and Education.
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Manufacturing Machine Shop Certification – Engine lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, drill presses, off-hand grinders, belt sanders, band saws, and more.
August 2018 - Present
Student Teacher
8th grade Physical Science
Los Angeles, CA
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Collaborates with mentor teacher by engaging in various co-teaching methods such as one-teach/one-assist, station teaching, and parallel teaching.
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Develops daily lesson plans, unit plans, and hands-on experimental labs following the California NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) framework for middle school.
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Integrates coursework theory and puts into practice innovative teaching strategies that foster equitable learning and an inclusive classroom environment.
February 2010 - January 2015
Materials Engineer
Intel Corporation
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Managed Intel’s global quartz suppliers and ensured that Intel’s quality standards were continually met.
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Promptly resolved material quality issues, and developed solutions for future technology needs.
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Conducted training classes for domestic and international Intel employees to guarantee proper handling and maintenance of quartz parts.
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Collaborated with business partners on high-impact projects in various global sites such as Israel, UK, and Ireland.
May 2008 - May 2009
SHPE - Berkeley Chapter President
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
SHPE Mission – “Change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development”.
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Managed the SHPE Berkeley chapter of over 100 student members and led an elected executive team of students to create events and projects that fulfilled the mission of the SHPE organization.
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Acted as the liaison between the SHPE Berkeley chapter and other student and professional SHPE chapters to build a successful network of Latinx engineers.
